LA Opera: March 19, 2019

Listen in as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Stacy Brightman chats with Composer Henry Mollicone and Librettist Shishir Kurup on the creation of LA Opera’s Community Opera: “Moses”. “Moses” has its world premiere at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown LA on March 22 and 23, 2019. Henry and Shishir talk with Stacy about how they each first came to opera, the development of this special work (an opera for professionals and community members to perform together?!), and their hopes for the piece.

LA Opera: March 12, 2019

Music Director James Conlon and opera super-fan, actor and opera stage director Christoph Waltz chat about Waltz’s relationship to opera (saw his first opera at 10 in Vienna), his experience directing opera, and his inspiring ideas about securing the future of opera. Recorded after the March 10, 2019 performance of "The Clemency of Titus".

LA Opera: March 08, 2019

Listen in on a fascinating conversation between Thaddeus Strassberger - stage director and scenic designer for our production of “The Clemency of Titus” – and President and CEO Christopher Koelsch. They discuss Mr. Strassberger’s general philosophy as a director and designer, as well as how this brand-new production (a "feast for the eyes" says the LA Times) - came to be.

LA Opera: February 28, 2019

Thaddeus Strassberger, stage director and scenic designer for LA Opera’s production of “The Clemency of Titus,” takes us through a scene-by-scene description of the opera. In Mozart’s final masterpiece, the most powerful civilization in the world falls vulnerable to the machinations of power players seeking glory. In a drama marked by shifting layers of morality and loyalty, Mozart’s unmistakable love for humanity shines through in his glorious and endlessly inventive music.

LA Opera: February 26, 2019

There's no room for mistakes with Mozart's music. Renowned tenor Russell Thomas talks with LAO President and CEO Christopher Koelsch about the joy and challenges of singing the composer’s music and specifically the role of Titus in our upcoming production of Mozart’s "The Clemency of Titus". The two also discuss his process of preparing a role, his ideal rehearsal environment, and the complicated dance of crafting his performance schedule.

LA Opera: February 12, 2019

LA Opera is proud to share this special conversation recorded on November 9, 2015 between renowned opera artist Maria Ewing and Michael Hackett of UCLA. Throughout her remarkable career, Ms. Ewing has astonished audiences with her searing performances in both soprano and mezzo-soprano roles. As one of the early leading artists at LA Opera, she spoke with Dr. Hackett as part of LA Opera’s oral history project to discuss her career, roles and a life in opera.

LA Opera: January 27, 2019

Special Edition! LA Opera announced it’s 2019/20 season today (we're so excited to share it with you, we couldn't wait until Tuesday). In this podcast, Christopher Koelsch - LA Opera’s President and CEO - sits down with Classical KUSC’s Gail Eichenthal to preview the upcoming operas and concerts.

LA Opera: January 15, 2019

Joshua Winograde, LA Opera’s Senior Director of Artistic Programs, sits down with Dr. Stephen King, Head of Vocal Instruction for the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, to discuss his career teaching young opera singers on the verge of a major career, in both Los Angeles and Houston.

LA Opera: January 01, 2019

On December 2, 2018, The Kennedy Center held its 41st annual national celebration of the arts — The Kennedy Center Honors. Celebrated composer Philip Glass was one of the honorees.
In honor of Philip Glass’ recognition by The Kennedy Center and the broadcast of the awards last week (December 26), this "From the Vault" episode features LA Opera's Artist-in-Residence Matthew Aucoin in conversation with Glass prior to the November 17, 2016 performance of his opera “Akhnaten”, which was conducted by Aucoin.

LA Opera: December 18, 2018

Composer David Lang sits down with Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen to discuss his opera “the loser”, which will be presented with LA Opera in February 2019 at the Theatre at Ace Hotel. They talk about “solving musical problems”, what draws him to compose, and how opera in the 21st century is a lot like experimental theater.

LA Opera: December 11, 2018

On November 3, 2018, UCLA Professor of Musicology Mitchell Morris spoke on "Hansel and Gretel" to a group of educators. Dr. Morris answers the question, is “Hansel and Gretel” Wagner for kids?
Some adult themes are briefly discussed in this podcast.

LA Opera: December 04, 2018

Artistic Adviser to LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program and opera superstar Susan Graham sits down with Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen in a conversation about her role debut as The Witch in LA Opera’s production of “Hansel and Gretel” and how she approaches learning new parts.

LA Opera: November 27, 2018

Composer Ellen Reid sits down with Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen to discuss her opera “p r i s m”, which premieres with LA Opera on November 29, 2018 at REDCAT. The opera is about the boundaries we create to around ourselves to separate us from our own darkness or trauma, and the lengths we go through to keep those boundaries up.
CONTENT WARNING: This podcast and the opera contain information about assault and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors.

LA Opera: November 13, 2018

Opera producer Beth Morrison sits down with Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen in a conversation covering what led Morrison to create her company, Beth Morrison Projects; the BMP productions LA Opera is presenting this season; how BMP and LA Opera formed their artistic partnership; and the relationship between new work and the standard opera repertoire.

LA Opera: October 30, 2018

Composer Joby Talbot and Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen talk about the many different compositional hats Talbot wears, writing operas, ballets, concert music and film scores. Just in time for Halloween, they discuss Talbot’s current project commissioned by LA Opera for the Off-Grand series: a new score for the 1931 German film “Vampyr” performed at the Theatre at Ace Hotel.

LA Opera: October 26, 2018

On Saturday, October 13, 2018, Dr. Vinay Lal, UCLA Professor of History and Asian American Studies, spoke as a part of LA Opera’s Opera for Educators professional development for teachers on Philip Glass’ “Satyagraha”. Dr. Lal’s presentation covered a brief overview of Gandhi’s life, the birth of satyagraha (the movement), the philosophical foundations of satyagraha and the idea of nonviolence, the “portability” of Gandhi, and the history of global nonviolence.

LA Opera: October 19, 2018

Sean Panikkar, who plays the role of Gandhi in LA Opera’s production of "Satyagraha", takes us through a scene-by-scene description of the opera. "Satyagraha" focuses on the years Gandhi spent in South Africa from 1893 to 1914. The opera unfolds thematically rather than chronologically, depicting the development of Gandhi’s philosophy of satyagraha, and is sung in Sanskrit.

LA Opera: October 16, 2018

Bass Morris Robinson, who takes on the role of Parsi Rustomji in LA Opera's upcoming production of “Satyagraha”, sits down with Classical KUSC's Brain Lauritzen. One of the most sought after basses performing today, Morris discusses his journey from playing college football to leaving a good corporate job for a career in opera.

LA Opera: October 11, 2018

Recorded following the October 7, 2018 performance of 'Don Carlo", LA Opera Music Director James Conlon and Dr. Jeffery High, CSULB professor and renowned Friedrich Schiller expert, dive deeply into the connection between Schiller’s German play "Don Karlos", Verdi’s grand opera "Don Carlo", and the fascinating history which inspired them both.

LA Opera: October 02, 2018

Composer David T. Little sits down with KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen for a conversation about his opera "Soldier Songs", which will be presented October 13 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood as a part of the Off Grand series. They discuss the opera and the role that arts organizations can play in welcoming home veterans after active duty.

LA Opera: September 11, 2018

LA Opera's President and CEO Christopher Koelsch and Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen discuss the operas that comprise the 2018/19 season, both productions on the mainstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and “Off-Grand” at venues such as the Theater at Ace Hotel and the Ford Theatre.
Mr. Koelsch also talks about his vision for the Company, and how he and the team at LA Opera work to make opera accessible to as many people as possible.

LA Opera: September 04, 2018

LA Opera's Resident Conductor Grant Gershon and Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen discuss the upcoming production of Philip Glass's "Satyagraha", which Gershon will conduct in October/November. The conversation begins with Gershon talking about his long history with LA Opera.

LA Opera: August 23, 2018

Opera superstar Susan Graham and Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen discuss her role as LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist program's Artistic Adviser, as well as her own experiences as a young artist and some key moments from the beginning of her career.

LA Opera: August 07, 2018

In May 2018, internationally acclaimed and award-winning poet, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, and current poet laureate of California, Dana Gioia, discussed one of his heroes, Walt Whitman, Whitman's great love of opera, and how that influenced his work.

LA Opera: July 24, 2018

It's easier than you think to introduce kids to opera, they don't know they should be scared of it!
Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen has a conversation about LA Opera's youth Opera Camp with composer/director Eli Villanueva; the Autry Museum's Director of Education and Visitor Engagement, Erik Greenberg; and LA Opera's Vice President for Education and Community Engagement, Stacy Brightman.

LA Opera: July 10, 2018

This week in July 1966, "Candide" had its North American premiere in Los Angeles with the Center Theatre Group on campus at UCLA.
In this "From the Vault" episode, LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon gives his pre-show talk on Bernstein's "Candide" prior to the January 27, 2018 performance.

LA Opera: June 26, 2018

Duff Murphy, of Classical KUSC, gives his pre-show talk on Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers" prior to the October 7, 2017 performance. The ravishing score, an early treasure by the composer of "Carmen", features a rapturous duet for the two rivals that has become one of opera’s all-time greatest hits.

LA Opera: May 22, 2018

Matthew Aucoin (LA Opera's Artist In Residence) discusses his own composition, “Crossing”, with Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen. Inspired by poet Walt Whitman’s experiences tending to wounded soldiers during the Civil War, “Crossing” explores the connections that come between us and pull us apart. Performances of this LA Opera Off Grand production take place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, both at 8:00pm.

LA Opera: April 17, 2018

UCLA Professor of Musicology Mitchell Morris at Getty Villa on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Composers and artists of the 19th century embraced the iconic figure of Orpheus, portraying him as the passionate hero of symphonic poems and concerti, the ultimate poet as prophet, and the very model of the Romantic musician. This talk traces the continuing power of the myth in music by Beethoven, Liszt, and Scriabin, as well as in paintings created at the turn of the century.

LA Opera: April 03, 2018

On Sunday, March 25, 2018 following the closing performance of Orpheus and Eurydice, Stephen Fry - English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, and film director — joined Maestro James Conlon in the Stern Grand Hall for a conversation about the Orpheus & Eurydice myth throughout literature and music.

LA Opera: March 22, 2018

On March 9, 2018, Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera’s President and CEO, interviewed John Neumeier, acclaimed Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet as well as the Director, Choreographer and Designer of LA Opera’s Orpheus and Eurydice.

LA Opera: March 22, 2018

On Monday, February 5, 2018 international opera star Renée Fleming, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, and LA Opera CEO and President Christopher Koelsch discussed the connections between music and the brain—and the very real possibility that music is part of the solution to intractable problems like chronic pain and cancer. Listen and learn about the role music and other arts can play in tackling the most difficult diseases and improving health and wellness. The USC Visions and Voices event was presented at the Bovard Auditorium as part of the Provost’s Series on Wicked Problems, which brings together special guests and USC faculty to discuss the most intractable, multifaceted problems of our time.

LA Opera: March 19, 2018

LA Opera: March 07, 2018

LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch interviews Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon and "Candide" stage director Francesca Zambello prior to the "Opera Prep" final dress rehearsal for students on January 25, 2018.

LA Opera: September 27, 2016

LA Opera: May 05, 2016

LA Opera: October 28, 2015

LA Opera: February 26, 2015

For his podcast for "The Barber of Seville," host Brian Lauritzen is joined by Elizabeth DeShong, making her LA Opera debut in the role of Rosina. The fast-rising mezzo-soprano speaks about Rossini's strong female characters and her lifelong dedication to singing.

LA Opera: February 05, 2015

(Click the above link to listen to this special extended-length podcast!)
In this edition of LA Opera Behind the Curtain, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by Music Director James Conlon to talk about Figaro Unbound and the Figaro Trilogy: John Corigliano's "The Ghosts of Versailles," Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" and Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," all based on plays by Beaumarchais. They discuss how the three works relate to each other, how Beaumarchais straddles the line between aristocracy and activism against the aristocracy, and the playwright's little known involvement in the American Revolution.

LA Opera: November 20, 2014

In this edition of the podcast, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by LA Opera Resident Conductor Grant Gershon who is leading the Company's performances of Florencia en el Amazonas by Daniel Catan. They discuss what makes Catan's score so ravishing, how to manage "the bliss" on the podium, and how Catan's love for his characters shines through in his music.

LA Opera: October 14, 2014

In this edition of the LA Opera Behind the Curtain podcast, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by conductor Stephen Sloane who is leading performances of the double bill of Purcell's Dido & Aeneas and Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle. Tension and release in the dramas of Purcell and Bartok, plus the role of the conductor in what Sloane calls a "truly multimedia artform," are among the topics discussed in this engaging and entertaining conversation with Sloane, a native of Los Angeles now residing in Berlin.

LA Opera: September 03, 2014

In this edition of the podcast, host Brian Lauritzen talks with Marta Domingo, the director and scenery/costume designer of our season opening production of Verdi's La Traviata. they talk about the beauty of Art Deco, the challenge of creating a new production of a very famous opera, and what it's like to direct her husband Placido Domingo.

LA Opera: May 12, 2014

In this edition of the podcast, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by soprano Nino Machaidze who is singing the title role in Jules Massenet's Thaïs. They talk about what it's like to share a stage with the incomparable Placido Domingo, how she got her start in singing at the age of eight, and what it was like to sing while she was eight months pregnant.

LA Opera: March 12, 2014

In this edition of the podcast, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by soprano Albina Shagimuratova and tenor Saimir Pirgu who are singing the roles of Lucia and Edgardo (March 15 through April 6 at LA Opera). They discuss developing chemistry onstage, the challenges of portraying the psychological turmoil of the opera and their unlikely journey to become opera singers.

LA Opera: February 10, 2014

In this edition of LA Opera's Behind the Curtain podcast, Brian Lauritzen talks to Liam Bonner, who is performing the title role in Benjamin Britten's "Billy Budd," a role debut for the baritone. They discuss how he prepares an operatic role for the first time, the musical and physical demands of the role of Billy, and what makes Britten a particularly great opera composer.

LA Opera: November 13, 2013

In this edition of the Behind the Curtain podcast, host Brian Lauritzen is joined by LA Opera Music Director James Conlon who confesses an undying love for the music of Mozart. Mr. Conlon talks about that makes Mozart's music so special to him, what makes audiences identify with the different characters in "The Magic Flute" and how this production seems tailor-made for Los Angeles.

LA Opera: November 07, 2013

In this edition of LA Opera Behind the Curtain, host Brian Lauritzen visits with Music Director James Conlon to discuss Giuseppe Verdi's final opera, "Falstaff" - his only successful comedy. It's a work that has been part of Mr. Conlon's personal life from the beginning of his career.

LA Opera: October 01, 2013

As a special addition to the season, LA Opera presents a rare revival of the groundbreaking 1976 collaboration by Robert Wilson and Philip Glass. Universally hailed as one of the greatest artistic achievements of the 20th century, "Einstein on the Beach" breaks all rules of conventional opera. Brian Lauritzen hosts this special edition of "LA Opera: Behind The Curtain" featuring interviews with Philip Glass, Robert Wilson and Lucinda Childs.

LA Opera: September 09, 2013

In this edition of LA Opera's Behind the Curtain podcast, host Brian Lauritzen talks with Patricia Bardon, the Irish mezzo-soprano singing the title role in our 2013/2014 season opening production of Bizet's "Carmen." They chat about the challenges of singing Carmen and what it's like for a mezzo to tackle the iconic role for the first time or the hundredth time.

LA Opera: May 22, 2013

Brian Lauritzen is joined by "Tosca" director John Caird. Best known for his work in the theatre, Mr. Caird is best known for directing the original West End production of "Les Miserables" and an adaptation of Dickens' "Nicholas Nickleby" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
They talk about the difference between directing opera and directing for the stage, his vision for the new-to-Los Angeles production of "Tosca," and working with LA Opera General Director Placido Domingo.

LA Opera: April 03, 2013

A song celebration of Benjamin Britten, featuring Members of LA Opera's Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program-Amanda Woodbury, Rebecca Nathanson, sopranos; Joshua Guerrero, tenor; Christopher Allen, Nino Sanikidze, piano. Originally presented as part of the Sundays Live series at LACMA.

LA Opera: March 20, 2013

In this edition of LA Opera's Behind the Curtain podcast, Brian Lauritzen talks to mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey who is singing the role of Cinderella/Angelina in Rossini's Cinderella (La Cenerentola). Lindsey talks about the state of opera in America, the athleticism of singing Rossini and about what draws her to the stage.

LA Opera: March 05, 2013

In this edition of the podcast, Brian Lauritzen goes behind the curtain with LA Opera Music Director James Conlon as we set sail with Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. They discuss the recurring themes in Wagner's work - the outsider, the wanderer, redemptive love - as well as how Wagner viewed himself as a revolutionary.

LA Opera: February 20, 2013

Brian Lauritzen sits down with LA Opera Music Director James Conlon to discuss the musical legacy of composer Benjamin Britten whose 100th Birthday Celebrations have begun in Los Angeles and around the world. Conlon talks about Britten's compositional fluency in all genres of classical music, the dichotomy of his conservative religious beliefs and liberal political views and the challenges Britten faced as a gay man living in an intolerant society.

LA Opera: November 14, 2012

In this edition of the LA Opera Behind the Curtain Podcast, Brian Lauritzen is joined by LAO Resident Conductor Grant Gershon. They talk about Gershon's long history with LA Opera, why he thinks Puccini is underrated orchestrator, and dissect some of Gershon's favorite moments of Madame Butterfly.

LA Opera: September 11, 2012

In this edition of the podcast, Brian Lauritzen talks with LA Opera Music Director James Conlon, who is conducting the 2012/13 Season opening run of Verdi's "The Two Foscari (I Due Foscari)," starring LAO General Director Placido Domingo. They discuss how this early opera foreshadows Verdi's later compositional style and how there's a little bit of Verdi's personal life in all of his art.

LA Opera: June 04, 2012

KUSC's Brian Lauritzen chats with soprano Ailyn Pérez and tenor Stephen Costello, L.A.’s Mimi and Rodolfo, about how they balance their marriage and their opera careers, and how La Bohème brought them together.

LA Opera: April 19, 2012

KUSC's Brian Lauritzen chats with Albert Herring director Paul Curran about the critical working relationship between the conductor and the director, and the challenge of communicating the subtleties of Britten's characters to a large audience.

LA Opera: April 18, 2012

Music Director James Conlon reflects on three decades of collaborating with Plácido Domingo, why Boccanegra may be the greatest of Verdi’s mighty baritone roles, and the recurring theme of reconciliation that makes Simon Boccanegra so emotionally powerful.

LA Opera: November 06, 2011

Brian Lauritzen interviews the stars of Roméo et Juliette. Tenor Vittorio Grigolo discusses the critical importance of preparation, luck and timing, and why the audience is always right, and soprano Nino Machaidze, who learned the role of Juliette for the Salzburg Festival in one month, explains why it's her ideal role.

LA Opera: September 18, 2011

Music Director James Conlon discusses Mozart's ongoing examination of the battle of the sexes throughout his "Da Ponte" trilogy, why Beethoven was appalled by Così fan tutte, and the mischievous implications of the opera's setting in Naples.

LA Opera: September 17, 2011

Music Director James Conlon discusses Tchaikovsky's place in the Russian operatic tradition, how he adapted one of Russia's greatest literary masterpieces for the operatic stage, and why Eugene Onegin is one of the few operatic tragedies that doesn't have a villain. "Tchaikovsky was profoundly aware that he was setting one of the great masterpieces of Russian literature, if not the greatest. The results are compelling...he pours out his heart through the human voice and the orchestra."